Help to manage constant anxiety

[ladyanxious25]

Hi everyone,

This is really hard to admit but I've been really struggling with anxious feelings. Every day I wake up tense and anxious, sometimes for no reason at all.

Recently though things have been getting worse and worse. I feel really anxious and overwhelmed in social situations (with friends and at work - I started a new job this week and felt totally inexperienced/embarrassed, and interviewed for another to start soon). I become super self conscious of my appearance, mannerisms, and just feel awkward in general. I try to think about things realistically because I know anxiety can impact on how we perceive things but it's difficult. Breathing exercises/mindfulness help sometimes, but I've noticed that I get very hot and flustered and can't think straight. The way I communicate with others has really gone downhill, too. I hate myself.

Some days I feel super excited about life and great about myself and other days (like today) I want to stay in bed all day and sleep/hide from the world. This is so hard.

I'm scared to talk to my GP or see a psychologist. I want to work in the mental health field and worried that it'll impact on me professionally, and I've heard that seeking professional help may prevent you from getting travel insurance (I have plans to visit Europe next year)?

Any help to manage social anxiety and feeling hot when anxious would be so appreciated. Thanks for reading - this turned into a very long post

[Nervybella]

Hi Ladyanxious

firstly, good on you for taking this first step. The first is often the hardest, believe me.

my advice to you is to talk to your GP. Your story really resonated with me because it sounds so much like my own. Do you always see the same doctor? If so you should feel comfortable with them. If not, try and find a doctor that you feel comfortable talking to. When I first went to my GP about my anxiety I decided to see a different doctor, I really like my normal GP but she is a bit scary and intense, so I found another doctor at the same clinic is was much warmer and actually specialised in mental health.

Mid your doctor deems that you have some type of mental health issue (which from your post sounds like you do) they will write you a mental health plan which allows you visits to a psychologist

don't be scared of psychologists, if you find the right one you will be amazed by how much they can help.

I actually went to Europe last year a few months after seeing a psych for the first time and it didn't impact on my insurance at all, in fact I don't think I was even asked about my mental health.

Also I don't believe (but don't quote me on this, someone else may be better informed) that it should impact on your professional life. Have you started studying at uni yet? If so it might even be an idea to ask a careers counsellor, mentor or something?

For me, I try to manage (sometimes not very well mind you) my anxiety by distracting myself. Obviously this doesn't always work if you have become too hooked in your thoughts. I'd stick to meditation and mindfulness too. I also like to go on a long walk to clear my head. In saying that a GP or psychologist will be able to provide more options if you let them really get to know you.

i hope some of this helped and am happy to talk again 🙂

all the best,

Bella

[White_Rose]

Dear Ladyanxious

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. As Bella has said, the first time writing in can be very scary.

I understand you hesitation about revealing a mental health issue and your worry about working in the field. This is not something to worry about. This profession now welcomes people with lived experience. When you go through something as debilitating as anxiety you gain a fresh perspective on mental illness. Everyone's experience is different but you will be able to recognise and empathise with those struggling with their mental illness.

It probably sounds strange to say look for the what you can gain from this. I don't mean any of us want to be depressed/anxious etc. Of course we would all like to live our lives without the Black Dog nipping at our heels, but when we find it there we need to teach it some manners and know its place is at heel, not jumping all over us and barking like mad.

I have found I am more compassionate towards those who are unwell, physical as well as mental health. I have been given a great deal of help in my life. At first I thought people were sorry for me, and to some extent this is true, but the major reason is because they care about me and want to help. My GP is wonderful. So caring but also not afraid to put the hard word on me.

Starting a new job is often very nerve-wracking. I have retired from work now but I remember my first day at the last job I had. I remember because I did not go in that day. I had the 'flu so had to ring in sick. How to make a great impression in one hit. I had three days off then went in for two day. Come Monday I was sick again and had two more days off. Well I didn't get the sack so it seems my boss was happy with me.

I can't answer your question about travel insurance but I am inclined to go with Bella's comment. I suggest you not be put off getting help because of concerns about travel insurance. If you become more unwell you may not be able to travel anyway. Start from where you are and do the best you can for yourself. Taking care of yourself is the priority. Learn how to manage your fears and doubts before trying to make long term plans.

Psychologists, and psychiatrists for that matter, will be able to help you. It sounds like you have a bit of social anxiety which can make life appear very daunting. Nip it in the bud before it blossoms into a huge weed. Did I just mix my metaphors?

I would love to hear from you again.

Mary

[Nervybella]

Hi ladyanxious,

how are you going since you posted this thread?

Would like to hear back from you. I know it can be tough but I have found that venting on these threads really helps sometimes.

Mary is right, try and get this under control before it snowballs and turns into something much harder to manage.

hope you are ok.

Bella 🙂

[White_Rose]

Hello Nervybella

Nice to meet you. I hope you are well.

Hello Ladyanxious

How are you going? Would love to hear from you again.

Mary

[DrElmo29]

Hey Ladyanxious,

I relate to your story so much, with just recently having to accept that I have GAD. Though I am not wanting to go into mental health, I still want to go into the medical field and I understand how frightening it is when something like this could affect your dream job. Thankfully for me, I have had reassurance through my psychologist and school nurse that if I can deal with my anxiety, I can still do what I want. So passing on that reassurance to you now. Go see your GP and everything else will follow on.

DrElmo29